Identity theft – between a rock and a hard place
MIDRAND - Trevor Mathebula told Midrand Reporter of the nightmare of trying to clear his name after an alleged bogus agent used his name and ID.
Mathebula, who lives on the East Rand, said he got a shock when Re/Max Central Midrand contacted him to question him about properties advertised in Midrand and listed under his name.
He explained, “I was shocked when further investigations showed that the person who stole my identity even has a copy of my certified ID. I could have been arrested without knowing someone had stolen my identity.”
He suspects that a year ago while he was job hunting, a copy of his certified ID may have fallen into the wrong hands as he had applied for work in many places.
Mathebula said he tried to open a case of identity theft at Midrand Police Station but he alleges that police did not buy his story at first as he had no proof he was not the fraudster, but they also told him he cannot open a case against his own identity, as the identity of the alleged fraudster is not known.
Midrand police spokesperson Constable Matome Tlamela said, “A case of fraud would have been opened if the complainant had proof.”
Re/Max Central Midrand broker and manager Saskia Williams explained that the company came across a few cases of suspected fraudulent rentals being advertised on free advertising sites. Williams explained, “The first case came to our attention on 27 January and we noticed that the person behind the fraudulent adverts copies information of an actual agent listing, lowers the price and puts his number on. He then sends a lease agreement and a copy of a stolen ID and tries to entice the people inquiring to put a R1 500 deposit into his account to secure the place for them.”
Williams explained that new listings around Midrand kept coming up on the internet under the same name but with different phone numbers and profiles. “Photos and descriptions were exactly the same as legitimate listings but prices were different, the fake listings were generally half price or at least 30 percent less. I kept reporting them to the websites they were listed on and one website removed the false adverts,” said Williams.
Re/Max Central Midrand stated that fraud and hacking are on the rise this year, and said they have noticed a marked increase in phishing attempts recently, and clever ones.
Safety tips:
- If a deal looks too good to be true, it generally is.
- Use an agent to find you a property.
- Never put money into someone’s account before visiting the property or meeting with the person.
- Be aware that there are people out there who want your hard-earned money.
Details: Re/Max Central Midrand 011 540 2660.
Also read:
Beware of rental scam in Midrand
Man conned in Sanridge rental scam
Have you fallen victim to property fraud? Please share your experience on @MidrandReporter
